Bay Briefings - Species Protection

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The Galveston Bay estuary features an amazing variety of animals, from barnacles to bald eagles; from oysters to otters; from red-eared sunfish to redfish. Galveston Bay's wildlife is also valuable economically. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Galveston Bay's recreational fishing is valued at $2.8 billion, and commercial fishing at $358 million, annually. The upper Texas coast is one of the country's premier hot spots for birdwatching, which brings in people and money from around the globe. Tourism is among the region's most important industries, and wildlife watching is its fastest growing sector.